Policy EL 9.4 Communication and Support to the Board – Incidental Information

Tom DeBalsi informs the board that the annual SBAC test taking place in spring 2018 will be assessing 9th grade students, rather than 11th grade students for the first time. He also explains that he feels confident that new teachers in the district are settling in well following his 1:1 meetings with new hires.

Noel Bryant informs the board that the district will be piloting a new science test aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in May, which will assess grades 5, 8, and 11. She further explains that the district will also be piloting a new PE assessment that comes from the state. No word yet on when the assessment is taking place or which grades it will assess.

Noel Bryant reminds the board about the district’s involvement with an upcoming Integrated Field Review. This review will occur once every three years. A team from the district will be attending a training on December 12– 13, 2017.

Policy GP 3 Board Job Outcomes – Linkage with Ownership

HHS/HMMS/HACTC Campus and Parking Plans - Draft 3

David Laurin, engineer and project planner from DuBois & King, explains the current draft of the campus parking plans. This draft reflects the most recent feedback which has taken into account the desired outcomes from previous drafts. This feedback includes separating cars and buses during drop-off and pick-up.

The district is consulting with VTrans about including a left-turn signal when exiting the campus to relieve traffic concerns on Highland Ave.

Public feedback at tonight’s meeting expresses concern with one lane traffic patterns and pedestrian traffic flows that keep students who walk or bike safe.

Community Engagement Ideas from VSBA/VSA Conference

Tom DeBalsi shares with the board his experience at the VSBA/VSA Conference, specifically the topics related to community outreach and engagement.

Noel Bryant further elaborates on community engagement with anecdotal examples that spurred positive changes in communities in other places. The overarching theme of this discussion is that when entire communities come together to solve problems, the results are far greater than the work of a small group of people.

Policy EL 4 Financial Conditions and Activities

FY 19 Budget – Draft 2

Jim Vezina, Director of Finance, outlines the updated FY 19 budget expenditures proposal. A significant part of this discussion focuses on the 70% of the budget allocated for personnel salaries and benefits. The topics of full-time equivalents (FTEs) and staff-to-student ratios are also prominently discussed.

Policy GP 9 Governance Investment – Policy Update

Tom DeBalsi makes note of a previously unrecognized policy update relating to the monitoring report presented by Lori Dickerson at the last board meeting. The board notes that the monitoring report is still valid with regards to the updated policy.

Negotiations (Dickerson, Merrill, Christie): Teachers have mediation on 10/30/2017. Support staff negotiations took place on 10/23/2017, no agreement was reached.

Hartford Community Coalition (Russell): Nothing new to report.

Regional Advisory Board (Boleski): Nothing new to report.

Manifest Approval (Christie): In regards to the district’s solar energy plans, four proposals have been drafted. A piece of property has been offered up by a community member to host two 500 megawatt systems.

Racial Inequality Committee (Boleski, Russell): Meeting took place on 10/17/2017. The meeting hosted a presentation and Q&A by Chief Kasten. Gabrielle Lucke and Theodosia Cook will be leading a community workshop on diversity at the Bugbee Senior Center on 10/28/2017 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM.

Policy Review (Merrill): Meeting took place 10/23/2017, a new truancy protocol has been instituted in Windsor County. The district has been addressing policy changes to reflect this new protocol.

Select Board Liaison (Dickerson): Nothing new to report.

Sister City Update (Boleski): Nothing new to report.

6. Meeting Review/Evaluation and Agenda Planning

Combined Meeting with Select Board – November 15, 6:00 PM – Topics

Shared facilities, specifically recreational facilities

Budget updates

Community engagement

Promotional work for town and school

Town/School Annual Meeting Dates

Next Agenda - Items for Discussion

Revenue projections

Outcomes of mediation

Monitoring reports

Food service updates

Meeting Evaluation

Lori Dickerson evaluates the meeting as satisfactory.

7. Executive Session

Lori Dickerson moves that the board enter executive session to discuss confidential attorney-client communications, under the provisions of Title 1, Section 313(a) (1) of the Vermont Statutes. The motion is seconded. A unanimous verbal vote passes the motion (4 yes, 0 no).